INDIA – AIIMS New Delhi has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare by organizing an intensive workshop focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This workshop aimed to equip medical students with the essential skills and knowledge to harness AI’s transformative potential in the Indian healthcare landscape.
With approximately 4,000 companies in India dedicated to developing AI solutions for healthcare, the need for training and resources is increasingly critical.
Government initiatives, such as the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the National Digital Health Infrastructure, are further supporting this shift, ensuring that technology is seen as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Collaborative Learning for Practical Solutions
Professor Kanwal Preet Kochhar from AIIMS New Delhi highlighted the workshop’s purpose: “Our goal is to empower our medicos with the skills and knowledge they need to harness AI technologies effectively.
By focusing on practical applications and real-world challenges, we are preparing our future healthcare leaders to innovate and significantly improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Swadeep Srivastav, Founder and CBO of Healthpresso, emphasized the transformative capabilities of AI, stating, “AI represents a paradigm shift in how we approach healthcare delivery. It offers us the ability to analyze vast datasets, uncover hidden patterns, and make informed decisions that enhance patient care.“
He underscored the importance of deploying AI ethically, addressing biases and privacy concerns to ensure its benefits reach all sectors of society.
A growing market for ai solutions
The Indian market for AI in healthcare is projected to reach US $1.6 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.5%.
Key applications driving this growth include personalized medicine, telemedicine, drug discovery, and advanced diagnostics.
AIIMS Delhi is recognized as a center of excellence in AI, playing a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges and promoting AI integration in healthcare practices.
Government Initiatives and Digital Infrastructure
The recently released draft National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in India recognizes the potential of technological advances to address longstanding healthcare challenges.
The government is also focusing on creating a robust national digital health infrastructure, including features like a Healthlocker, an electronic national health registry, and a unique digital health ID for citizens.
These initiatives aim to facilitate data exchange and enhance public health outcomes through data analytics.
Sonia Dosanjh, Scientist F at C-DAC Mohali, remarked on the importance of technological interventions, stating, “Exploring technological innovations is crucial to addressing the unique health challenges we face today. AI offers unprecedented opportunities in data-driven decision-making, disease surveillance, and personalized treatment plans.”
Daleep Manhas, Co-founder and CEO of Healthpresso, shared his vision for the future, saying, “AI is reshaping the entire healthcare landscape, from early diagnostics and virtual consultations to chronic disease management and patient education.”
He announced the upcoming release of their AI tool, Healthcare Communication GPT, aimed at generating credible health content for providers and consumers.
Investments and startups driving innovation
Since 2012, about US $150 million has been invested in AI startups in India, with significant contributions coming in recent years.
Startups like Niramai, which uses machine learning to detect breast cancer, and ChironX, focusing on retinal abnormality detection, are at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Major tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, are also partnering with hospitals to develop and test diagnostic tools.
